Local VFW Leader Vargas is Illinois Veteran of the Month

Lou Vargas, the 64-year-old Commander for New Lenox VFW Post 9545, was honored as Illinois Veteran of the Month at a Wednesday night celebration at the Vine Street facility.  

A crowded room full of veterans ranging from those who fought in World War II till the current Middle East conflict, their families and well-wishing governmental officials, including New Lenox's Mayor Tim Baldermann, Illinois Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport), staff members from U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Manteno) and Illinois Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet), along with Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas, joined in the festivities to honor Vargas.

The recipient of the Outstanding Chairman's Award from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County, and commander of the Disabled American Veterans of Will County, Chapter No. 103,  Vargas learned of the award only hours before the surprise celebration.

Vargas' wife, Bernice, who is the Illinois State Commander for Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, said after 36 years of marriage, it was "really tough to keep it a secret." She and the couple's children, daughter Billie and son Rick, had promoted their father's nomination as a way to honor Vargas' countless hours of work and dedication in the service of veterans.

A parade of sentiment from a variety of VA officials gave tribute to Vargas' military service in Vietnam and his commitment to assisting veterans as they attempt to navigate the bureaucratic waters entailed in filing for benefits and lending a compassionate ear to those that simply need to talk.

He stood proud at the podium. Armed with certificates of awards and congratulatory letters from governmental leaders, Vargas spoke specifically about being named July's Veteran of the Month.

"This is such an honor," he said. "I'm just overwhelmed ... It's just been a proud honor to do the things I've done."

He added that it was also an honor to announce that it was "36 years ago today that Bernice and I had our first date."  The couple was married in December 1975.   

A standing ovation, instigated by Vargas' pronouncement—God Bless America—was proof of his love for his country.

Having battled for years with the VA for benefits to assist him in grappling with a debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder, he qualified finally in 2002 for disability benefits. Since then he's dedicated himself to working to improve the lives of those scarred from the hellish experiences of war.

In a nomination letter, Bernice Vargas wrote: "After Lou received his benefits award in 2002, he decided to advocate himself for veterans' rights so that no other veteran would have to feel that he or she was  alone in his or her fight to get benefits. This led to a complete investigation into the policies of the VA in Illinois and brought these crucial issues to the public's attention so that other veterans could begin to get through the red tape."

In the aftermath of the formal presentation of awards, Billie Vargas talked about a class she had in college about America's involvement in Vietnam. This was in 1998. In the course, the class watched newsreels and documentaries about the war, but it was the weekly long-distance telephone discussions after the class that gave her a bird's eye view of the travesty of war.

"I'd call Dad and we'd talk for two or two-and-half hours each week about the war. I sometimes wonder if my talks helped him to talk about (his experiences) to others."

In 2000, Vargas aimed his guns at the VA policy makers and pushed them to make good on the promise to assist veterans when they returned home, broken and wounded.  

Rick Vargas, standing next to wife Emily and their three children, said he admired his father's willingness to secure help for those in need. "He (voluntarily) puts in more hours than someone who works a full-time job."

Joliet's John Tipton, a WWII veteran, offered the invocation. Later, Tipton, who spoke from his from his wheelchair, reminisced about his experience in the South Pacific. He was gunner on a 40mm Quad mount on the Battleship South Dakota.

"I took out seven of the 32 Japanese aircraft headed toward the (carriers) Enterprise and the Hornet. I knew how to handle a gun."

With the knowledge that more veterans are beginning to share their stories, Vargas said he was pleased. "We don't want people to forget" what it's really like fighting a war.